Nearing the end its second-generation life, the 2018 Acura RDX has made a momentous run in the luxury sports utility fast lane over the past five years. Nearly identical to the larger 2018 Acura MDX, the 2018 RDX is essentially a 5-seater variant in a smaller and more compact package. The RDX also shares the available 3.5L V6 engine with available SH-AWD system which really packs a punch on the smaller and lighter RDX.
With the all-new 3rd generation RDX just around the corner for 2019, the 2018 RDX essentially remains identical to the 2017 RDX model. Most of the cosmetic updates were made on the 2016 RDX, such as the exterior LED Jewel-Eye headlamps. The engine has also been tuned to squeeze out a bit more power, achieving 279hp and 252 lb-ft of torque.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
Despite its age, the 2018 Acura RDX’s styling continues to stay current thanks in part to an overall modern design with help from certain design cues like the jewel-eye cubed LED headlights and the large front air intakes. However, the front grille and simplistic strait line design could certainly do with an update to fit more in line with the rest of the Acura lineup.
Likewise, the homogenous black interior still offers clean and subtle looks with a fighter cockpit-inspired layout, but personally I’m a fan of a two-tone leather interior to provide a little more interest for the eyes.
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVE
Considered one of the key trademarks of the entire Acura brand is performance, and the 2018 RDX certainly exceeds expectations. Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine outputting a hefty 279hp and 252 lb-ft of torque, the 2018 RDX provides a responsive, powerful and smooth acceleration. With the only choice of transmission being the 6-speed automatic, this is perhaps another sign of a redesign being in order since many other vehicles are now into the 8+ speed automatic transmissions. However, it must be said that the powerful engine pairs well with the 6-speed transmission, to deliver a crisp and aggressive acceleration without hesitation.
Still true to this day, the 2018 Acura RDX really get a leg up on the competition with Acura’s Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD). Power can be split between a range of 70/30 and 30/70 between the front and rear wheels respectively like a conventional AWD system, but it also goes one step further with the “Super Handling” terminology, which allows for up to 100% power distribution to one of its rear wheels to enhance vehicle stability and cornering performance.
The perfect combination of comfort and performance is the key combination that everyone has come to know and love about the Acura brand, and this is well-demonstrated in the 2018 RDX. Both city and highway driving are steady, quiet and composed, however the light chassis does show some signs of flex under harder cornering and acceleration.
Pushing the RDX’s throttle wide open reveals the true performance lurking beneath its luxurious shell. The aggressive performance will thrill even the most seasoned performance driver but will also provide a controlled feeling of reassurance. When cornering, the steering precision is smooth and well managed, but could be a little bit tighter, while the body roll is well controlled by the SH-AWD system.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Base price for the 2018 Acura RDX loaded with premium standard features including LED headlamps, leather interior and 8-way adjustable seating starts at $44,590 while our Elite tester model comes in at $49,590 which gets you larger 18 inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats and Acura Navigation system with Voice Recognition.
That said, since we are almost in 2019, you may want to opt for the newly redesigned 2019 Acura RDX that will get you an overall refreshed interior and exterior styling and an entirely new powertrain with a four cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission to harness every bit of power.
